Page 39 of Rescue My Heart
Guests began to arrive just as they finished setting up. Ember and Josephine were among the first, bringing a celebratory bottle of champagne and their usual cheerful energy. Soon, the living room was filled with friends from the fire station and a few cast members from the show. There was a warm buzz in the air, conversations and laughter filling every corner of the room.
When everyone had gathered and settled in, Mazey stepped forward, holding up a glass. “Thank you all for coming,” she began, smiling at each friend. “This show has been a journey, one that’s pushed me in ways I didn’t expect. But more than anything, I’m grateful for all of you. And, well, especially McKenna.” She paused, her voice catching as she glanced at McKenna, who was looking back at her with quiet pride. “Without you, I don’t know if I’d have made it through some of those days.”
McKenna just shook her head, a small smirk on her lips. “Well, let’s not forget who’s saved who more times,” she quipped, sparking laughter throughout the room.
“Alright, alright,” Hallie Hunter chimed in. “Let’s get to it. I want to see Mazey hanging off that cliff again. For nostalgia’s sake, of course.”
With everyone settled and laughing, they pressed play, and the room went silent as the screen lit up with the opening scenes of Edge of the Abyss. Mazey watched herself on the screen, her character navigating high-stakes moments in breathtaking locations, and then, finally, the infamous cliff scene arrived. The camera panned to Mazey’s character, gripping the edge of a cliff, her face contorted in fear and determination.
Everyone in the room cheered, laughing and making jokes about that day on set. Someone even mimicked her panicked shouts from the scene, drawing more laughter. McKenna leaned over, nudging her with a grin. “Can’t believe you survived that day and still agreed to a second date with me,” she teased.
Mazey grinned, squeezing McKenna’s hand. “Couldn’t let you off that easily, could I?”
When the episode ended, applause and cheers filled the room. Friends surrounded Mazey, congratulating her on her performance, throwing out compliments and teasing remarks alike. She graciously accepted the praise, laughing along witheveryone. Eventually, she gestured to McKenna and said with a smile, “I wouldn’t be here without my personal superhero saving me…countless times.”
Everyone laughed, clinking glasses and toasting to their favorite real-life love story.
As the evening wound down and people started to head out, Ember and Josephine stuck around to help with cleanup. Ember caught McKenna’s eye as they gathered empty glasses, smiling knowingly. “Looks like things turned out alright, huh?”
McKenna smiled, nodding. “Yeah. Better than I could’ve imagined, really.”
Ember leaned in slightly, her tone softening. “Remember when you came to me for advice about all this? You were ready to give up. I’m glad you didn’t.”
McKenna chuckled, glancing over at Mazey, who was laughing with Josephine across the room. “I don’t know what I’d do without her. I owe you for keeping me patient.”
Ember patted her shoulder with a warm smile. “Just remember this the next time I’m asking for advice. Which, let’s face it, will probably be about cars.”
They shared a laugh, then moved back to their cleanup duties. Meanwhile, Mazey and Josephine were wrapping up a conversation of their own. Josephine’s eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. “You seem…different, Mazey. Happier.”
Mazey smiled, glancing over at McKenna. “I am. I didn’t realize how much I was holding myself back until now.”
Josephine nodded knowingly. “It’s obvious, seeing you two together. You’re good for each other.” She paused, then added with a playful grin, “And I have to say, it’s nice to know McKenna’s finally met her match.”
Mazey laughed, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “She keeps me grounded and safe,” she said, smiling to herself. “I never thought I’d be this open, but here I am.”
Ember and Josephine gathered their things, hugging both Mazey and McKenna goodbye. “Don’t forget about the charity event tomorrow,” Ember reminded them with a grin. “You’re our guests of honor.”
McKenna laughed, giving her a reassuring nod. “We’ll be there. Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
As their friends left, Mazey and McKenna were finally alone, standing in the quiet, cozy living room that just hours ago had been filled with laughter and love. Mazey looked around, letting out a soft sigh of contentment. She turned to McKenna, wrapping her arms around her waist, her face relaxed and peaceful.
“Tonight was perfect,” she murmured, resting her forehead against McKenna’s. “I don’t think I could’ve imagined anything better.”
McKenna brushed her fingers gently through Mazey’s hair, her voice equally soft. “I feel the same. I’m just really, really happy we’re here.”
Mazey looked up, her eyes shining with warmth and affection. “You know, it’s funny. I used to think love like this only happened in movies. I didn’t realize I could actually have it.”
McKenna’s arms tightened around her, her gaze filled with sincerity. “Then I guess we’re both living a dream,” she replied softly. “Because I never thought I’d find someone like you.”
They stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, reveling in the quiet peace that surrounded them. It was a feeling neither of them wanted to let go of, a feeling they’d fought hard to earn. And now, with every whispered word, every shared glance, they knew they’d keep fighting to hold onto it.
McKenna leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to Mazey’s lips, her heart swelling with the certainty that this was where she was meant to be. They had finally found their way to each other, through every doubt and every fear, and nothing felt more right.
Mazey pulled back slightly, a smile tugging at her lips. “So, tomorrow?”
McKenna chuckled, nodding. “Tomorrow, we keep building this life together. One day at a time.”
The next day when McKenna returned home, the air buzzed with excitement as they prepared for the evening’s event. They shared light conversation, discussing everything from their day’s highs to their hopes for the upcoming gathering. Laughter filled the room as they helped each other choose outfits, a joyful blend of anticipation and nervous energy swirling around them.